Christine Presents: Cinnamon Lemon Cakes/Bars

Cinnamon Lemon Bars—a recipe from Highland Sunrise.

I love the taste of cinnamon and love to use it in as many recipes as possible. Cinnamon is a fantastic spice and has numerous health benefits.

EXCERPT:

The Duchess sat in her parlor, waiting for all her efforts to come to fruition. Scarlet sat opposite her. Another servant brought in tea and lemon cakes then poured the Earl Grey tea.

"Two sugars." The Duchess held up two fingers then nodded her approval. "I adore lemon cake."

Scarlet smiled and sipped her tea. "Has everything been taken care of to your approval?"

Again the Duchess nodded. "I called in almost every favor the late Duke was owed and a few of my own."

"What happens next?" Scarlet sipped the tea.

"We wait. These things take time. Patience is a virtue my late husband always said, but I never believed him."

"I'm not too good at waiting, Duchess. I can hardly breathe thinking of that tiny babe who will be in the upstairs nursery any day now."

The unique healing qualities of cinnamon come three basic components in the essential oils found in the bark. We won’t list the scientific names of these components.

Some of the good things about cinnamon:

1.    Cinnamon has anti-clotting actions which make it an ‘anti-inflammatory’ food.

2.    Cinnamon in an ‘anti-microbial’ food and has been studied for its ability to help prevent the growth of bacteria as well as fungi.

3.    Cinnamon can help control blood sugar. Seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen tis impact on blood sugar levels. This wonderful spice slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals.

4.    Cinnamon’s scent boosts brain function. Not only does consuming cinnamon improve the body’s ability to utilize blood sugar, but just smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice boosts brain activity.

Does this mean I can eat as many cinnamon rolls as I want?

This barely touches on the uses of Cinnamon but know that it is one of the oldest spices. Try using it in some of your own recipes.

Recipe of the Day: Cinnamon Lemon Cakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour                   ½ cup + 1tbl softened butter                     

1/3 cup confectioners sugar         1 tsp cinnamon

Filling:

2 eggs                                               1 cup sugar

2 tbl all-purpose flour                     ½  tsp. baking powder

2 tbl lemon juice                              1 ½  tsp grated lemon peel

additional confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1.    In a bowl, combine the flour, butter and confectioners’ sugar. Pat into an ungreased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

2.    For filling, in a small bowl, beat eggs. Add the sugar, flour, baking powder, lemon juice and peel; beatuntil frothy. Pour over the crust. Bake 25 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into bars. Yield: 16 servings.

Nutritional Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 132 calories, 11 g fat, 74 mg cholesterol, 140 mg sodium.

ENJOY!